Colleen Costello Long
July 23, 1953 - November 2, 2025

We have lost yet another of our Cowsill internet buddies. Colleen was a New Englander and hence at many, many Cowsill events / get togethers. Colleen also enjoyed the many "Princess Bashes" and guacamole contests out in Los Angeles.

Colleen's sister posted the following on Facebook:
To COLLEEN'S FACEBOOK FRIENDS,
It is with incredible sadness I share that we lost Colleen Sunday evening. She died peacefully with her daughter Katie and myself at her side. Colleen had endured physical limitations from a stroke for the past ten years and, more recently, developed cancer. There are no immediate services but we are planning a "celebration of Colleen's life" for the near future. If any of her FB friends in the RI area would like to attend message me and I can share details.
Please keep Colleen in your hearts and your prayers.
Her sister Kathy

Below are some of the many photos from those times. Thanks to Caren O. and Lynne H. for sharing their photos.

Colleen's obituary reads:

Colleen Patricia (Costello) Long, 72, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, with her family at her side. Born in Perth Amboy NJ to the late Thomas Francis Costello and Lillian Mary (Dawley) Costello, she returned to RI at a young age and lived there her entire life.

Colleen was the loving mother to Katie (Taylor) Gibb and husband David Gibb, and adoring grandmother to Ben, Eli and Jude Gibb. She is survived by her sister Kathleen (Costello) Yorks, her nephews Derek and Adam, her niece Liza and their families who will fondly remember their fun Auntie Colleen.

A proud graduate of St Mary's Academy-Bayview, class of 1971, Colleen went on to spend many years employed at New England Telephone, where she was known for her kindness and dedication.

She enjoyed music, traveling, theater, reading, spending time in her garden and her many pets. Passionate about dancing, she developed deep and lasting friendships with her dance studio girls.

A devoted fan of the Cowsills band, Colleen followed their music since her teenage years. She found joy in their harmonies and spirit and considered the band members her friends.

Above all Colleen cherished her family and took great delight in her three grandsons who were the light of her life.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Colleen's life at a future date. In her memory, take time to enjoy a favorite song, good book or a sunny garden, just as she so often did.

In lieu of flowers consider a donation to your favorite charity or local food bank.